Real Madrid have confirmed Kylian Mbappe will wear their famous number nine jersey as they revealed the date for his official unveiling.
Mbappe, who is joining Los Blancos as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, will be unveiled as a Madrid player at an event at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, July 16.
The 25-year-old is fresh from exiting Euro 2024, with France having lost 2-1 to Spain in the semi-finals.
Mbappe failed to score from open play through the tournament, after suffering a broken nose during France's opening match, though he did break his Euros duck by converting a penalty in their final group game against Poland.
Madrid also revealed Mbappe will take the number nine shirt previously worn by Karim Benzema.
There were also new shirt numbers for Edouardo Camavinga, who has taken the number six, while Federico Valverde has taken the number eight, vacated by the retired Toni Kroos.
Aurelien Tchouameni has switched to 14, with Arda Guler, who has starred at the Euros with Turkiye, taking 15.
Guler's stunning goal against Georgia early in the tournament made him the youngest player to score on his debut at a European Championship finals (19 years and 114 days), surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's previous record of 19 years and 128 days set at Euro 2004.
Tottenham secure Solanke on six-year deal
Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.
The 26-year-old joins in a deal reportedly worth up to £65million – a club-record sale for Bournemouth – and signed a six-year contract with Spurs.
Solanke joined the Cherries from Liverpool in 2019, going on to make 216 appearances in all competitions, netting 77 goals and providing 31 assists.
He enjoyed his most prolific campaign in 2023-24, netting a club-record 19 goals in the Premier League for Bournemouth as he played in every league game, only failing to start one.
Solanke comes in to strengthen the centre-forward position, which Spurs have been lacking since Harry Kane left to join Bayern Munich last year.
The striker is the fourth signing for Ange Postecoglou this transfer window, after Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Yang Min-hyuk, who will officially join the club in January.
He could make his debut for Spurs in their Premier League opener on August 19 against Leicester City.
Todibo joins West Ham on loan from Nice
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo on an initial season-long loan from Nice.
The defender will be with the Hammers for the 2024-25 season, and the club has the option to buy at the end of the campaign for a reported £34.2million fee.
Todibo joined Nice in 2021, initially on loan, and went on to make 136 appearances for them in all competitions, netting two goals.
He also helped them reach the 2021-22 Coupe de France final, though they missed out on the trophy to Nantes.
"I am really excited to be signing for West Ham," Todibo told West Ham's website. "It is a dream come true to play in the Premier League, the best league in the world.
"This is an amazing opportunity for me, at a club with huge ambition, who want to really make progress under the new head coach.
"It feels like the right time to be coming to West Ham. I'm so excited to pull on the shirt and play in the Premier League."
West Ham saw off competition from Juventus to sign the France international as they continue to reshape the squad under new manager Julen Lopetegui.
The 24-year-old is the sixth signing this transfer window, while West Ham are also hoping to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United as they aim to further bolster their defence.
Alfaro resigns as Costa Rica boss with Paraguay speculation looming
Gustavo Alfaro has resigned as Costa Rica head coach after just nine months in charge.
The Argentine's exit was confirmed on Friday with speculation linking Alfaro as a potential successor to Daniel Garnero as Paraguay boss.
"We thank Mr Gustavo and his team for their dedication during their time leading the Costa Rica team," the Costa Rican Football Federation (FCRF) said in a short statement.
"At FCRF we will continue to build the path towards the 2026 World Cup. We will keep our fans informed and we reiterate our commitment to continue working for the development and success of national football."
The 61-year-old, who took charge of Ecuador at the 2022 World Cup, guided Costa Rice to the Copa America this year as his side were eliminated in the group stage by finishing third.
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